The Winkler Flyers increased their winning streak to three games with a 5-1 victory over the visiting Waywayseecappo Wolverines on Friday night. Braden Billaney led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Connor Slipp kicked aside 29 shots for his third win in as many games.
Returning home for the first time in nearly two weeks, the Flyers welcomed the Waywayseecappo Wolverines for their second meeting of the year. The Flyers last home game was back on October 17th against the Wolverines. Winkler won that game by a score of 4-2.
For the 10th time in 15 games this season, the Flyers scored first. This one came on the power-play just 4:55 into the hockey game. Kurt Sonne deflected Zak Hicks’ point shot past Wayway goaltender Greg Harney for his first goal of the season. Tristan Keck also picked up his team leading 14th assist, and the Flyers led the Wolverines 1-0.
Winkler picked up the pace in the second, and doubled their lead just past the midway point of the period. After a relentless shift by the line of Braden Billaney, Coltyn Bates and Nico Labossiere, Billany found the back of the net for his second of the season with his two linemates drawing the assists.
The Wolverines scored their only goal of the game when Morgan Greve cut Winkler’s lead to 2-1 with 7:27 to play in the second, when his shot went through a screen and past the glove of Flyers’ goaltender Connor Slipp. Wolverines’ goaltender Greg Harney had an unbelievable second period as Winkler took their one goal lead into the third period, despite outshooting Wayway 34-18 through 40 minutes.
The Flyers opened things up with three more goals in the final frame. Scott Gall potted his team leading 8th goal at the 3:20 mark of the period, giving the Flyers a 3-1 lead. Just four minutes later, Nico Labossiere found the far side of the net with a well placed wrist shot to push Winkler ahead 4-1. Coltyn Bates and Braden Billaney drew the assists.
With 2:54 to play in regulation, Thomas Mansbridge and Scott Gall assisted on Billaney’s second of the game to make the score 5-1 for Winkler.
Connor Slipp had another fine performance and improved to 3-0 between the pipes for Winkler. The Flyers outshot the Wolverines 47-30 in the hockey game. Winkler went 1-for-4 on the power-play and 4-for-4 on the penalty-kill.
The Flyers (11-3-1) will host Neepawa (5-10) on Saturday, October 31st in their next game. Winkler blanked the Natives 6-0 in their first meeting of the season back on October 3rd at the MJHL Showcase in Winnipeg. Puck drop at the Winkler Recreation Complex is 7:30pm. You are encouraged to come to the game dressed up in your favorite Halloween costume for your chance to win some great prizes as well as some free candy courtesy of the Winkler Coop.
Great Canadian Oil Change Three Stars
1st Star – Braden Billaney – Winkler
2nd Star – Coltyn Bates – Winkler
3rd Star – Connor Slipp – Winkler